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How to Avoid Hidden Provider Fees
Uncover the charges your payment provider may not tell you about, and learn how to avoid them with expert help.
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Exclusive Rates From as Low as 0.26%
Hidden Fees Are Costing UK Businesses More Than They Realise
When it comes to card processing, the rate you’re quoted often isn’t the rate you end up paying. Many businesses are caught out by extra costs buried in the small print, from PCI non-compliance fees and authorisation charges, to minimum monthly fees, statement charges, and early exit penalties.
These hidden fees can quietly chip away at your profits. And unless you’re regularly reviewing your statements or have the knowledge to decode your provider’s fee structure, they’re easy to miss.
At Compare Card Fees we help you get ahead of these charges, so you know what you’re paying, and how to stop paying more than you should.
What Are Hidden Card Processing Fees?
Hidden fees are often non-transparent or poorly explained charges that appear on your merchant services bill. Some of the most common include:
PCI compliance fees (or non-compliance penalties)
Minimum monthly service charges
Early termination fees
Authorisation or gateway transaction fees
Statement and administration fees
Chargeback or dispute handling fees
Some providers also add obscure line items or apply rate increases mid-contract, making it harder to budget or predict your actual costs.
6 Ways to Avoid Hidden Merchant Fees
You can’t manage what you can’t see, so the first step is understanding where these fees are coming from and how to reduce or eliminate them.
Get a Full Fee Breakdown
Always ask for a complete pricing schedule, not just the advertised transaction rate. We’ll help you read between the lines.
Avoid Long-Term Lock-In
We recommend providers with short, flexible contracts, no long tie-ins or costly exit penalties.
Check PCI Fees and Requirements
Some providers charge for non-compliance. We connect you with those who support you through it or cover it altogether.
Watch Out for 'Free' Terminal Traps
Free card machines often come with hidden service fees. We help you spot true value vs marketing tricks.
Avoid Bundled Pricing Where Possible
Blended rates can hide high interchange costs. We’ll show you how to compare with like-for-like clarity.
Review Regularly with Expert Help
Fees creep up over time. We offer ongoing support and reviews so your rates stay competitive and clear.
How Compare Card Fees Helps You Stay in Control
We don’t just show you the headline rate, we dig deeper into what you’ll actually pay with each provider. Our service is designed to highlight hidden costs, so you can make an informed decision and avoid unwelcome surprises later. With our help, you’ll:
Ready to Stop Paying More Than You Should?
The sooner you identify and avoid hidden fees, the faster you protect your margins. Let us help you take control. It’s fast, free and backed by real industry insight. No pressure. No hidden costs. Just trusted advice.
Trusted by 1000s of UK Businesses
We’ve helped companies of all sizes, from local retailers to national ecommerce brands reduce their card processing fees without the hassle. Our clients process over £1 billion in payments annually through the UK’s leading providers.
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re proud of our reputation for honest, expert service. Check our latest reviews on Trustpilot to see why business owners trust Compare Card Fees.
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